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Abstract:

Methods for providing a user with a user configurable user interface
(UCUI) for a software application using an electronic computing device
are presented, the methods including: causing the electronic computing
device to receive a number of input fields corresponding with the UCUI
from the software application; selecting any of the number of input
fields for display on the UCUI; arranging the selected input fields by at
least one group, where each of the selected input fields each correspond
with at most one group at a time; arranging the at least one group for
display on the UCUI; and displaying the UCUI, where the UCUI displays at
least the at least one group and the corresponding selected input fields.

Claims:

1. A method for providing a user with a user configurable user interface
(UCUI) for a software application using an electronic computing device,
the method comprising; causing the electronic computing device to receive
a plurality of input fields corresponding with the UCUI from the software
application; selecting any of the plurality of input fields for display
on the UCUI, arranging the selected input fields by at least one group,
wherein each of the selected input fields each correspond with at most
one group at a time; arranging the at least one group for display on the
UCUI; and displaying the UCUI, wherein the UCUI displays at least the at
least one group and the corresponding selected input fields.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: moving all of the
non-selected input fields to a retrievable archive, wherein the
retrievable archive is available separately for each group.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein an original UI in the software
application is initially non-configurable.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein an original UI in the software
application is initially partially configurable.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the software application is selected
from the group consisting of: a database application, a word processing
application, an enterprise application, a customer relationship
management (CRM) application, a spreadsheet application, information
worker application, educational application, a simulation application, an
application suite, a product development application, and an engineering
application.

6. The method of claim 2, further comprising: entering an edit mode to
edit the UCUI; editing any of the plurality of input, fields by the user;
and editing any of the at least one group by the user.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the editing any of the plurality of
input fields by the user comprises: adding one of the plurality of input
fields to the UCUI, wherein adding one of the plurality of input fields
to the UCUI includes, displaying the retrievable archive, selecting any
of the non-selected input fields for display on the UCUI, and positioning
the selected input field on the UCUI; deleting one of the displayed input
fields on the UCUI, wherein deleting one of the displayed input fields on
the UCUI includes, selecting, one of the plurality of displayed input
fields for deletion, moving the selected input field to the retrievable
archive, and displaying the retrievable archive showing the deleted input
field; and repositioning one of the displayed input fields on the UCUI,
wherein repositioning one of the displayed input fields on the UCUI
includes, selecting one of the plurality of displayed input fields for
repositioning, and positioning the selected input field on the UCUI.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein positioning the selected input field on
the UCUI comprises: dragging and dropping the selected input field to a
desired location on the UCUI; if the desired location is atop a displayed
input field, replacing the displayed input field with the selected input
field and moving the displayed input field along side of the selected
input field; if the desired location is atop a group header, positioning
the selected input field to a first position in the group; if the desired
location is outside a group, positioning the selected input field in a
nearest group; and if the desired location is inside a group, positioning
the selected input field in a last position in the group.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the editing any of the at least one
group comprises: adding, a new group, wherein adding a new group
includes. naming the new group, and displaying the new group on the UCUI;
repositioning one of the displayed groups on the UCUI, wherein
repositioning one of the displayed groups on the UCUI includes, selecting
a group bar of one of the displayed groups on the UCUI, and positioning
the group bar on the UCUI; changing a group name, wherein changing a
group name includes, selecting a group name of one of the displayed
groups, and entering a new group name; deleting one of the displayed
groups, wherein deleting one of the displayed groups includes, selecting
one of the displayed groups, and deleting the one of the displayed
groups, wherein deleting the one of the displayed groups returns any
input fields corresponding with the deleted group to the retrievable
archive; and changing a group color, wherein changing the group color
includes, selecting one of the displayed groups, selecting a color for
the one of the displayed groups, and applying the color for the one of
the displayed groups.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein when the user configures the UCUI, a
configuration is stored, and wherein any of a plurality of configurations
may be stored.

11. A computer device program product for providing a user with a user
configurable user interface (UCUI) for a software application using an
electronic computing device, the computer device program product
comprising: a non-transitory computer readable medium; first programmatic
instructions for causing, the electronic computing device to receive a
plurality of input fields corresponding with the UCUI from the software
application:, second programmatic instructions for selecting any of the
plurality of input fields for display on the UCUI; third programmatic
instructions for arranging the selected input fields by at least one
group, wherein each of the selected input fields each correspond with at
most one group at a time; fourth programmatic instructions for arranging
the at least one group for display on the UCUI; and fifth programmatic
instructions for displaying the UCUI, wherein the UCUI displays at least
the at least one group and the corresponding selected input fields,
wherein the programmatic instructions are stored on the non-transitory
computer readable medium.

12. The computer device program product of claim 11, further comprising:
sixth programmatic instructions for moving all of the non-selected input
fields to a retrievable archive, wherein the retrievable archive is
available separately for each group.

13. The computer device program product of claim 11, wherein an original
UI in the software application is initially non-configurable.

14. The computer device program product of claim 11, wherein an original
UI in the software application is initially partially configurable.

15. The computer device program product of claim 11, wherein the software
application is selected from the group consisting of: a database
application, a word processing application, an enterprise application, a
customer relationship management (CRM) application, a spreadsheet
application, information worker application, educational application, a
simulation application, an application suite, a product development
application, and an engineering application.

16. The computer device program product of claim 12, further comprising:
seventh programmatic instructions for entering an edit mode to edit the
UCUI; eighth programmatic instructions for editing any of the plurality
of input fields by the user: and ninth programmatic instructions for
editing any of the at least one group by the user.

17. The computer device program product of claim 16, wherein the eighth
programmatic instructions for editing any of the plurality of input
fields h the user comprises: adding one of the plurality of input fields
to the UCUI, wherein adding one of the plurality of input fields to the
UCUI includes, displaying the retrievable archive, selecting any of the
non-selected input fields for display on the UCUI, and positioning the
selected input field on the UCUI; deleting one of the displayed input
fields on the UCUI, wherein deleting one of the displayed input fields on
the UCUI includes, selecting one of the plurality of displayed input
fields for deletion, moving the selected input field to the retrievable
archive, and displaying the retrievable archive showing the deleted input
field; and repositioning one of the displayed input fields on the UCUI,
wherein repositioning one of the displayed input fields on the UCUI
includes, selecting one of the plurality of displayed input fields for
repositioning, and positioning the selected input field on the UCUI.

18. The computer device program product of claim 17, wherein positioning
the selected input field on the UCUI comprises: dragging and dropping the
selected input field to a desired location on the UCUI; if the desired
location is atop a displayed input field, replacing the displayed input
field with the selected input field and moving the displayed input field
along side of the selected input field; if the desired location is atop a
group header, positioning the selected input field to a first position in
the group; if the desired location is outside a group, positioning the
selected input field in a nearest group; and if the desired location is
inside a group, positioning the selected input field in a last position
in the group.

19. The computer device program product of claim 6, wherein the ninth
programmatic instructions for editing any of the at least one group
comprises: adding a new group, wherein adding a new group includes,
naming the new group, and displaying the new group on the UCUI;
repositioning one of the displayed groups on the UCUI, wherein
repositioning one of the displayed groups on the UCUI includes, selecting
a group bar of one of the displayed groups on the UCUI, and positioning
the group bar on the UCUI; changing a group name, wherein changing a
group name includes, selecting a group name of one of the displayed
groups, and entering a new group name; deleting one of the displayed
groups, wherein deleting one of the displayed groups includes, selecting
one of the displayed groups, and deleting the one of the displayed
groups, wherein deleting the one of the displayed groups returns any
input fields corresponding with the deleted group to the retrievable
archive; and changing a group color, wherein changing the group color
includes, selecting one of the displayed groups, selecting a color for
the one of the displayed groups, and applying the color for the one of
the displayed groups.

20. The computer device program product of claim 11, wherein when the
user configures the UCUI, a configuration is stored, and wherein any of a
plurality of configurations may be stored.

Description:

BACKGROUND

[0001] Computer software applications running on many types of computing
systems--for for example, a personal computer, a "smartphone," and any
other type of device with a memory storing program instructions and a
processor for executing those instructions--typically rely on graphic
user interfaces (GUI) to allow for user interaction with the application.
A GUI allows users to interact with an executing application through
graphical elements, such as icons, text, and other visual indicators that
are displayed to the user and that correspond to user commands. Selection
of a graphical element by a mouse, for example, causes one or more
processes to be performed by the computer under direction software
programs by calling one or more functions or, in the case programs
written in an object oriented language, methods. These functions are
responsive to the user command represented by the graphical element. A
GUI may be contrasted with a command line interface or shell, which
requires that a user type in a command as a line of text, the shell takes
the command and translates it to one or more functions that the
application is called upon to perform.

[0002] Many conventional software applications provide limited
customization of tool bars that may give access to a variety of software
commands. However, these applications are generally limited and do not
includes customization at the user level of other elements of the GUI in
other applications, such as a database program, a user interface may be
modified, but modification requires extensive knowledge of the underlying
database program to make any changes. In database programs, changes to
the interface may not generally be made on the fly by dragging and
dropping fields by an individual user but generally require a developer
or programmer. As such, user configurable user interfaces are presented
herein.

SUMMARY

[0003] The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of
the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention.
This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not
intended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or to
delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some
embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the
more detailed description that is presented below.

[0004] Methods for providing a user with a user configurable user
interface (UCUI) for a software application using an electronic computing
device are presented, the methods including: causing the electronic
computing device to receive a number of input fields corresponding with
the UCUI from the software application; selecting any of the number of
input fields for display on the UCUI; arranging the selected input fields
by at least one group, where each of the selected input fields each
correspond with at most one group at a time; arranging the at least one
group for display on the UCUI; and displaying the UCUI, where the UCUI
displays at least the at least one group and the corresponding selected
input fields. In some embodiments, method further include moving all of
the non-selected input fields to a retrievable archive, where the
retrievable archive is available separately for each group. In some
embodiments, an original UI in the software application is initially
non-configurable.

[0005] In some embodiments, method further include: entering an edit mode
to edit the UCUI; editing any of the number of input fields by the user;
and editing any of the at least one group by the user. In some
embodiments, the editing any of the number of input fields by the user
includes: adding one of the number of input fields to the UCUI, where
adding one of the number of input fields to the UCUI includes, displaying
the retrievable archive, selecting any of the non-selected input fields
for display on the UCUI, and positioning the selected input field on the
UCUI; deleting one of the displayed input fields on the UCUI, where
deleting one of the displayed input fields on the UCUI includes,
selecting one of the number of displayed input fields for deletion,
moving the selected input field to the retrievable archive, and
displaying the retrievable archive showing the deleted input field; and
repositioning one of the displayed input fields on the UCUI, where
repositioning one of the displayed input fields on the UCUI includes,
selecting one of the number of displayed input fields for repositioning,
and positioning the selected input field on the UCUI. In some
embodiments, positioning the selected input field on the UCUI includes:
dragging and dropping the selected input field to a desired location on
the UCUI; if the desired location is atop a displayed input field,
replacing the displayed input field with the selected input field and
moving the displayed input field along side of the selected input field;
if the desired location is atop a group header, positioning the selected
input field to a first position in the group; if the desired location is
outside a group, positioning the selected input field in a nearest group;
and if the desired location is inside a group, positioning the selected
input field in a last position in the group.

[0006] In some embodiments, the editing any of the at least one group
includes: adding a new group, where adding a new group includes, naming
the new group, and displaying the new group on the UCUI, repositioning
one of the displayed groups on the UCUI, where repositioning one of the
displayed groups on the UCUI includes, selecting a group bar of one of
the displayed groups on the UCUI, and positioning the group bar on the
UCUI; changing a group name, where changing a group name includes,
selecting a group name of one of the displayed groups, and entering a new
group name; deleting one of the displayed groups, where deleting one of
the displayed groups includes, selecting one of the displayed groups, and
deleting the one of the displayed groups, where deleting the one of the
displayed groups returns any input fields corresponding with the deleted
group to the retrievable archive; and changing a group color, where
changing the group color includes, selecting one of the displayed groups,
selecting a color for the one of the displayed groups, and applying the
color for the one of the displayed groups. In some embodiments, when the
user configures the UCUI, a configuration is stored, and where any of a
number of configurations may be stored.

[0007] In other embodiments, computer device program products for
providing a user with a user configurable user interface (UCUI) for a
software application using an electronic computing device are presented,
the computer device program products including: a non-transitory computer
readable medium; first programmatic instructions for causing the
electronic computing device to receive a number of input fields
corresponding with the UCUI from the software application; second
programmatic instructions for selecting any of the number of input fields
for display on the UCUI; third programmatic instructions for arranging
the selected input fields by at least one group, where each of the
selected input fields each correspond with at most one group at a time;
fourth programmatic instructions for arranging the at least one group for
display on the and fifth programmatic instructions for displaying the
UCUI, where the UCUI displays at least the at least one group and the
corresponding selected input fields, where the programmatic instructions
are stored on the non-transitory computer readable medium. In some
embodiments, computer device program products further include: sixth
programmatic instructions for moving all of the non-selected input fields
to a retrievable archive, where the retrievable archive is available
separately for each group.

[0008] In some embodiments, computer device program products further
include: seventh programmatic instructions for entering an edit mode to
edit the UCUI;eighth programmatic instructions for editing any of the
number of input fields by the user; and ninth programmatic instructions
for editing any of the at least one group by the user. In some
embodiments, the eighth programmatic instructions for editing any of the
number of input fields by the user includes: adding one of the number of
input fields to the UCUI, where adding one of the number of input fields
to the UCUI includes, displaying the retrievable archive, selecting any
of the non-selected input fields for display on the UCUI and positioning
the selected input field on the UCUI; deleting one of the displayed input
fields on the UCUI, where deleting one of the displayed input fields on
the UCUI includes, selecting one of the number of displayed input fields
for deletion, moving the selected input field to the retrievable archive,
and displaying the retrievable archive showing the deleted input field;
and repositioning one of the displayed input fields on the UCUI, where
repositioning one of the displayed input fields on the UCUI includes,
selecting one of the number of displayed input fields for repositioning,
and positioning the selected input field on the UCUI. In some
embodiments, positioning the selected input field on the UCUI includes:
dragging and dropping the selected input field to a desired location on
the UCUI; if the desired location is atop a displayed input field,
replacing the displayed input field with the selected input field and
moving the displayed input field along side of the selected input field;
if the desired location is atop a group header, positioning the selected
input field to a first position in the group; if the desired location is
outside a group, positioning the selected input field in a nearest group;
and if the desired location is inside a group, positioning the selected
input field in a last position in the group.

[0009] In some embodiments, the ninth programmatic instructions for
editing any of the at least one group includes: adding a new group, where
adding a new group includes, naming the new group, and displaying the new
group on the UCUI; repositioning one of the displayed groups on the UCUI,
where repositioning one of the displayed groups on the UCUI includes,
selecting a group bar of one of the displayed groups on the UCUI, and
positioning the group bar on the UCUI; changing a group name, where
changing a group name includes, selecting a group name of one of the
displayed groups, and entering a new group name deleting one of the
displayed groups, where deleting one of the displayed groups includes,
selecting one of the displayed groups, and deleting the one of the
displayed groups, where deleting the one of the displayed groups returns
any input fields corresponding with the deleted group to the retrievable
archive; and changing a group color, where changing the group color
includes, selecting one of the displayed groups, selecting a color for
the one of the displayed groups, and applying the color for the one of
the displayed groups. In some embodiments, computer device program
products further include: when the user configures the UCUI, a
configuration is stored, and where any of a number of configurations may
be stored.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and not by
way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings and in
which like reference numerals refer to similar elements and in which:

[0011] FIG. 1 is an illustrative representation of a user configurable
user interface (UCUI) overview in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention;

[0012] FIG. 2 is an illustrative flowchart of a method for providing a
UCUI in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 3 is an illustrative flowchart of a method for providing an
edit mode in a UCUI in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention;

[0014] FIG. 4 is an illustrative flowchart of a method editing an input
field in a UCUI in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 5 is an illustrative flowchart of a method for editing a group
in a UCUI in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and

[0016] FIG. 6 is an illustrative flowchart of a method for editing a group
in a UCUI in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to a few embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set
forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present
invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that
the present invention may be practiced without some or all of these
specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and/or
structures have not been described in detail in order to not
unnecessarily obscure the present invention.

[0018] Various embodiments are described hereinbelow, including methods
and techniques. It should be kept in mind that the invention might also
cover articles of manufacture that includes a computer readable medium on
which computer-readable instructions for carrying out embodiments of the
inventive technique are stored. The computer readable medium may include,
for example, semiconductor, magnetic, opto-magnetic, optical, or other
forms of computer readable medium for storing computer readable code.
Further, the invention may also cover apparatuses for practicing
embodiments of the invention. Such apparatus may include circuits,
dedicated and/or programmable, to carry out tasks pertaining to
embodiments of the invention. Examples of such apparatus include a
general-purpose computer and/or a dedicated computing device when
appropriately programmed and may include a combination of a
computer/computing device and dedicated/programmable circuits adapted for
the various tasks pertaining to embodiments of the invention. Other
examples include mobile computing devices and associated mobile
applications pertaining to embodiments of the invention. Some examples
include, but are not limited to smart phones, tablets, personal desk
assistants, and mobile watches.

[0019] FIG. 1 is an illustrative representation of a user configurable
user interface UCUI) overview 100 in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention Embodiments disclosed herein provide for a user
configurable user interface where the user is given significant
flexibility to customize the graphical user interface (GUI) according to
the user's preference as to the various input fields, sub fields, layout
out and color, by being able to arrange through a drag and drop
interface, which enables the user to move, delete, add customized fields
and to archive fields to be retrieved at a later time. In embodiments, a
software provider whose software is enabled with the UCUI need not
reprogram new GUIs for each user/client nor inform client that user
interface elements like fields, display order, and color of the GUI is
preset and cannot be altered (at least at the user level). Furthermore,
settings corresponding with a UCUI enabled software may be saved for the
individual user so that a user may transport settings to another terminal
or platform also utilizing UCUI enabled software embodiments so that the
user's interface is consistently utilized. In addition, UCUI may
reorganize a group and all its elements in a new location intuitively. As
illustrated, any number of input fields 102 may be included in a software
application. An input field may be defined as any field capable of
receiving input from users or other automated sources. Input fields 102
may be organized into any number of groups 104. An organization scheme
may be selected to conform to a user's preferences. For example, any
number of input fields related to company information may be organized
into a group named "company." In some embodiments, an input field may
only belong to one group at a time. In other embodiments an input field
may belong to more than one group at a time. Groups, then become an
organizing factor for UCUI 106 such that any group and all its included
elements may be arranged in the UCUI in any fashion without limitation.

[0020] FIG. 2 is an illustrative flowchart 200 of a method for providing a
UCUI in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Methods
disclosed herein may be useful in providing a UCUI for a software
application. In some embodiments, an original user interface (UI) in a
software application is initially non-configurable. As such, methods may
provide a configurable UI. In other embodiments, an original UI in a
software application is initially partially configurable. As such,
methods may provide additional configurability. In addition, in
embodiments, software applications may include any number of applications
without limitation such as, database application, a word processing
application, an enterprise application, a customer relationship
management (CRM) application, a spreadsheet application, information
worker application, educational application, a simulation application, an
application suite, a product development application, and an engineering
application.

[0021] As illustrated, at a step 202, the method receives any number of
input fields from a software application. As noted above input fields are
fields in the software application that are capable of receiving, input.
Input may be received to an input field from any source without
limitation. For example, in an embodiment, input may be provided by an
individual user. In another embodiment, input may be provided
automatically through a linked source. At a next step 204, the method
selects any or all of the received input fields for display on the UCUI.
In embodiments, a user may select the received input fields for display.
In other embodiments, a pre-configured setting may provide for selecting
the received input fields for display. If there are any non-selected
input fields, the methods moves the non-selected input fields to a
retrievable archive at a step 206. A retrievable archive includes all
input fields that are not currently displayed. In embodiments,
retrievable archives may be available to each group separately.

[0022] At a next step 208, the method arranges selected input fields by
group. That is, the input fields selected for display are each placed in
a group. In embodiments, an input field may only be placed in one group
at a time and displayed only once on a UCUI. In other words, each of the
selected, input fields each correspond with at most one group at a time.
In other embodiments, an input field may be displayed more than once on a
UCUI. As noted above, input fields may be organized into any number of
groups. An organization scheme may be selected to conform to a user's
preferences. For example, a number of input fields related to company
information may be organized into a group named "company." Thus related
input fields may be localized in a specific area on the UCUI. In another
example, input fields may be randomly assigned to any number of groups.
At a next step 210, the method arranges groups for display on the UCUI.
Groups may be arranged by a user, automatically by predefined arrangement
rules, or both without limitation. At a next step 212, the method
displays the UCUI that includes displayed groups of displayed input
fields. Displaying a UCUI may include one or more pages depending on
display configurations.

[0023] FIG. 3 is an illustrative flowchart 300 of a method for providing
an edit mode in a UCUI in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention. At a first step 302, the method determines whether to edit the
UCUI. If the method determines at a step 302 not to edit the UCUI, the
method ends. If the method detennines at a step 302 to edit the UCUI, the
method continues to a step 304 to enter an edit mode. A determination to
edit the UCUI may be made in response to a user selecting an edit icon,
entering a key code, or entering a mouse click. Indeed any number of user
initiated actions may be utilized to enter an edit mode for the UCUI.
Once the method has entered an edit mode, the method determines at a step
306 whether to edit, an input field. A determination of whether to edit
an input field may be made, in some embodiments, by simply selecting an
input field while in edit mode. If the method determines at a step 306 to
edit an input field, the method proceeds to methods described below for
FIG. 4. If the method determines at a step 306 not to edit an input
field, the method continues to a step 308 to determine whether to edit a
group. Determination of whether to edit a group may be made, in some
embodiments, by simply a group or group bar while in edit mode. If the
method determines at a step 308 to edit a group, the method proceeds to
methods described below for FIGS. 5 and 6. If the method determines at a
step 308 not to edit group, the method ends.

[0024] FIG. 4 is an illustrative flowchart of 400 a method editing an
input field in a UCUI in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention. In particular, flowchart 400 proceeds from a step 306, FIG. 3.
In embodiments, there are at least three ways in which an input field may
be edited namely: adding an input field; deleting an input field; and
repositioning an input field. At a first step 402, the method determines
whether to add an input field for display on the UCUI. Any number of
input fields may be added for display up to the number of input fields
received as in at a step 202. FIG. 2. If the method determines at a step
402 not to add an input field to display to the UCUI, the method
continues to a step 410. If the method determines at a step 402 to add an
input field to display to the UCUI, the method continues to a step 404 to
display a retrievable archive. In embodiments, retrievable archives
display all input fields that were previously non-selected for display.
At a next step 406, the method continues to select any of the previously
non-selected input fields in the retrievable archive for display on the
UCUI. As such, a user may select any input field in the retrievable
archive to be positioned in any group currently displayed on the UCUI.

[0025] At a next step 408, the method positions the selected input field
on the UCUI.

[0026] In some embodiments, the input field may be positioned by dragging
and dropping the input field on the UCUI by a user. In other embodiments,
the input field may be positioned by pre-configured parameters. In still
other embodiments, the input field may be positioned by a combination of
dragging and dropping as well as by pre-configured parameters. For
example, if the desired location is atop a displayed input field, the
displayed input field may be replaced by the selected input field and
moved along side of the selected input field: if the desired location is
atop a group header, the selected input field may be positioned to a
first position in the group; if the desired location is outside a group,
the selected input field may be positioned in a group nearest to the
desired location; and if the desired location is inside a group, the
selected input field may be positioned in a last position in the group.

[0027] At a next step 410, the method determines whether to delete an
input fields on the UCUI. If the method determines at a step 410 not to
delete an input fields on the UCUI, the method continues to a step 418.
If the method determines at a step 410 to delete an input field on the
UCUI, the method continues to a step 412 to select any of the input
fields displayed on the UCUI for deletion. In embodiments, selection of a
displayed input field may be made by a user. At a next step 414, the
method continues to move the input field selected for deletion into the
retrievable archive, whereupon the input field selected for deletion is
displayed in the retrievable archive at a step 416. As may be
appreciated, deleted input fields are fields that are removed from the
UCUI. However, all input fields remain accessible to a user either on the
UCUI or in the retrievable archive.

[0028] The method continues to a step 418 to determine whether to
reposition any of the input fields displayed on the UCUI. If the method
determines at a step 418 not to reposition any of the input fields
displayed on the UCUI, the method ends. If the method determines at a
step 418 to reposition any of the input fields displayed on the UCUI, the
method continues to a step 420 to select an input field for
repositioning. At a next step 422, the method reposition the selected
input field on the UCUI. As above, in some embodiments, the input may be
is positioned by dragging and dropping the input field on the UCUI. In
other embodiments, the input field may be positioned by a combination of
dragging and dropping as well as by pre-configured parameters. For
example, if the desired location is atop a displayed input field, the
displayed input field may be replaced with the selected input field and
moved along side of the selected input field; if the desired location is
atop a group header, the selected input field may be positioned to a
first position in the group; if the desired location is outside a group,
the selected input field may be positioned in a group nearest to the
desired location: and if the desired location is inside a group, the
selected input field may be positioned in a last position in the group.
The method then ends.

[0029] FIGS. 5 and 6 are illustrative flowcharts 500 and 600 of a method
for editing a group in a UCUI in accordance with embodiments of the
present invention. In particular, flowchart 500 proceeds from a step 308,
FIG. 3 and flowchart 6 proceeds from a step 512, FIG. 5. In embodiments,
there are at least five ways in which a group may be edited namely:
adding a new group; repositioning a group; changing a group name,
deleting, a group, and changing a group color. Referring first to FIG. 5,
at a first step 502, the method determines whether to add a new group. If
the method determines at a step 502 not to add a new group, the method
continues to a step 508. If the method determines at a step 502 to add a
new group, the method continues to a step 504 to name the new group. Any
name or naming convention known in the art may be utilized without
departing from embodiments disclosed herein. At a next step 506, the
method displays the new group on the UCUI.

[0030] At a next step 508, the method determines whether to reposition a
group. If the method determines at a step 508 not to reposition a group,
the method continues to a step 602, FIG. 6. If the method determines at a
step 502 to reposition a group, the method continues to a step 510 to
select a group bar. A group bar is a bar that extends across the top of a
group on the UCUI. Group bars may be sized and colored in accordance with
a user's preferences. The method continues to a step 512 to reposition
the group. As such, a user may drag and drop the group bar to any
position on the UCUI for repositioning the group. By using the group bar
to reposition the group, the user may more easily identify which group is
being moved.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 6, the method continues to a step 602 the method
determines whether to change a group name. If the method determines at a
step 602 not to change a group name, the method continues to a step 608.
If the method determines at a step 602 to change a group name, the method
continues to a step 604 to select a group displayed on the UCUI. At a
next step 606, the method continues to enter a new group name. As above,
any name or naming convention known in the art may be utilized without
departing from embodiments disclosed herein. At a next step 608, the
method determines whether to delete a group. If the method determines at
a step 608 not to delete a group, the method continues to a step 614. If
the method determines at a step 608 to delete a group, the method
continues to a step 610 to select a group displayed on the UCUI,
whereupon the group is deleted at a step 612. When a group is deleted
from the UCUI, the input fields corresponding with the deleted group are
returned to the retrievable archive. As such, input fields are never
irretrievably deleted or lost. Rather, input fields are either displayed
on the UCUI or in the retrievable archive.

[0032] At a next step 614, the method determines whether to change a group
color. If the method determines at a step 614 not change a group color,
the method ends. If the method determines at a step 614 to change a group
color, the method continues to a step 618 to select a group displayed on
the UCUI. At a next step 618, the method continues to select a color. As
such a user may select a color for the selected group. Color selection
may proceed from a color palette or a pre-defined list of colors without
limitation and without departing from embodiments disclosed herein. At a
next step 620, the method applies the selected color to the selected
group, whereupon the method ends. Any changes made to the UCUI ma be
stored in a configuration file and may be made available to a user at any
location. Thus, for example, a user accessing any terminal at an
enterprise location may be assured a consistent interface with which to
work. In addition users may utilize each others' configuration files
without limitation so that a useful configuration may be distributed more
easily. As may be appreciated, any number of users may have any number of
configurations without departing from embodiments provided herein.

[0033] While this invention has been described in terms of several
embodiments, there are alterations, permutations, and equivalents, which
fall within the scope of this invention. It should also be noted that
there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and
apparatuses of the present invention. Furthermore, unless explicitly
stated, any method embodiments described herein are not constrained to a
particular order or sequence. Further, the Abstract is provided herein
for convenience and should not be employed to construe or limit the
overall invention, which is expressed in the claims. It is therefore
intended that the following appended claims be interpreted as including
all such alterations, permutations, and equivalents as fall within the
true spirit and scope of the present invention.